People celebrate Valentine’s Day in many ways, ranging from buying flowers and jewelry for their sweethearts to spending the day criticizing Valentine’s cliches. Both extremes exist at East Noble, but for students who want to show their appreciation for someone special in a simple but heartfelt way, FFA comes to the rescue. For many years, Future Farmers of America has been selling carnations during lunch periods, serving as the school’s way to recognize the holiday.

Students could purchase carnations for one dollar a piece or six for five dollars, and while they couldn’t pick colors, they could add a note to go with the delivery. According to FFA president, junior Jordan Riecke, the group has sold 240 carnations this year that will be delivered during 5th period on Friday, February 12. To prepare for the delivery, Riecke notes the club must sort the flowers by classroom, check all of the notes for appropriateness, and sort out the colors of flowers they recieve from their order.

If the past is any indication, FFA members will arrive on Friday yeilding handwritten notes and a five-gallon bucket of carnations from pink to red to white. While giving a carnation may not be a grand act of love, it is a small way to let someone know they are appreciated.

Riecke enjoys the tradtion because “it brings some excitement for Valentine’s day,” which is a feeling that can be reciprocated by the rest of the school.